Pain Relief and Treatment

Rehabilitation and Prevention

Improve overall Posture

ergonomics and body awareness with muscle flexibility, strength and ease of movement

Treatment for your changing body

during and after pregnancy

Treatments for colic, birth trauma and much more

for your child's optimal health and well being

Headaches and Migraines and Osteopathy

Headache is one of the most common health related conditions in Australia, with around 15% of us taking painkillers for a headache at any given time. Most of us will experience a headache during our lifetime.

Headache causes

Anything which stimulates the pain receptors in the head and neck can cause a headache. The most common type of headache originates from muscle stiffness or joint strain in the neck and upper thoracic (upper back) region.

Other causes include:

poor posture

sinus congestion

stress

eye strain

whiplash injury

jaw imbalance or TMJ disease

teeth grinding

allergies and food intolerances

infection

How do osteopaths at St Kilda Osteopathy assess headache?

Osteopaths are trained to differentiate between headaches with common causes and those caused by serious pathology. We have the skills and knowledge to assess your complaint and decide on the most effective course of action for you.

On initial consultation, your osteopath will perform a thorough evaluation, including physical examination, observation, and sometimes require imaging such as X-ray or MRI, to form a diagnosis. We will also refer you to your GP if required for further assessment and testing.

How can osteopathy help with the management of headaches?

Your osteopath will work gently with your body to:

enhance your general mobility

reduce muscular tension, nerve compression and inflammation

improve rib, thoracic (mid back) and cervical spine (neck) mobility

increase blood supply and drainage to and from the head and neck to prevent congestion and pressure.

To improve headache symptoms and prevent a recurrence, your osteopath may also provide advice on:

When is it important to seek professional advice?

You should always seek advice from a health professional, including your osteopath, if a headache develops after a head trauma and/or your headache is getting worse and/or your headache is accompanied by:

fever

nausea or vomiting

bleeding or fluid draining from the nose or ears

dizziness

blurred vision or speech

numbness, tingling or paralysis.

Headache need not be a part of your everyday life. Call St Kilda Osteopathy today and let our experienced osteopaths help you.